Baltimore Ravens

Baltimore Ravens 53 Man Roster: 3 Players Who Earned Their Spot

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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Sep 1, 2016; New Orleans, LA, USA; Baltimore Ravens defensive tackle Michael Pierce (78) celebrates his fumble recovery for a touchdown with teammates Chris Carter (56) and Willie Henry (69) during the second quarter of their game against the New Orleans Saints at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports

The Baltimore Ravens made some shocking roster cuts yesterday. While that is the biggest news, here are three players who clawed their way on to the roster:

The Baltimore Ravens shocked their fan base releasing Justin Forsett, Terrence Brooks and Jeremy Butler yesterday. To the outsider it may have seemed like Keenan Reynolds cut was a surprise; but he had one catch this preseason and struggled to transition into the NFL.

Making this roster is an even more impressive feat when you consider the Ravens let go of an established running back and the NFL preseason leader in receiving. The Ravens still have a strong-looking roster. John Harbaugh and company ultimately chose depth at other positions.

Today we’re going to look at three players who clawed their way on to the roster. These players did it the hard way. They found themselves on the roster bubble and they found a way to prevail.

Aug 11, 2016; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Ravens linebacker Chris Carter (56) and defensive tackle Michael Pierce (78) sack Carolina Panthers quarterback Joe Webb (14) during the second half at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

3. Chris Carter

When you play for a former special teams coordinator in John Harbaugh, special teams become incredibly important. Carter is a do it all kind of player. He helps the defense, and he plays special teams. Carter came into this training camp on the outside looking in. His roster bubble still hasn’t popped with the roster trimmed down to 53 players.

Against the Carolina Panthers, Carter looked like a bulldozer getting to the quarterback. This was Carter’s fifth chance in the NFL. He had stops with the Bengals, Steelers and Colts. Now he hopes he has found a long-term home with the Ravens. Carter has incredible strength and a high motor. He may be the best bull rushing linebacker the Ravens have.

Carter ended up with 5 tackles and a half sack this preseason. He made impact plays collapsing the pocket as well. At the end of the day, Carter made it impossible for the Ravens to cut him.

Aug 11, 2016; Baltimore, MD, USA; Carolina Panthers wide receiver Damiere Byrd (18) makes catch in front of Baltimore Ravens cornerback Sheldon Price (27) during the second half at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

2. Sheldon Price

When training camp began I didn’t have Sheldon Price pegged as part of the final 53 man roster. The Ravens have always struggled to find good cornerbacks, and hopefully Price is somebody they can develop. Price has gotten better in each preseason game. This shows that he is somebody who can be coached up.

Before he was with the Ravens, Price had three seasons of little to no success with the Indianapolis Colts. He entered the preseason as a player who still hadn’t proven himself in the NFL. Price probably won’t see much time on the field for defense. He looks like a special teams player through and through.

You have to give the young defensive back credit. He was an underdog all throughout training camp. Now he has an opportunity to be part of the 2016 Ravens.

Sep 1, 2016; New Orleans, LA, USA; Baltimore Ravens defensive tackle Michael Pierce (78) celebrates his fumble recovery for a touchdown with teammates Matt Judon (91) and Willie Henry (69) during the second quarter of their game against the New Orleans Saints at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports

3. Michael Pierce:

All preseason long, there was no player more energetic than the mammoth Michael Pierce. Pierce made one of the biggest plays of the preseason against the New Orleans Saints. He bull rushed his way to the quarterback, the ball popped loose and he recovered it in the end zone. Pierce showed the Ravens that his talent matched his high motor.

Pierce is the kind of player that will make an impact late in games. As a rotational player on the defensive line, he can make the high effort plays that make a difference in a grueling battle.

These players have to get credit for fighting their way on to the Ravens roster. The cuts get the attention. The ones who made it, deserve some attention too.